Marcus Braddock previews the trip to the Stadium of Ligh
It speaks volumes for the calendar year that we've just had that this final game isn't the biggest of the year. A double appearance at Wembley and two games against Premiership West Ham all ranked above this weekend’s action, which is crazy really as Sunderland, are one of the biggest football clubs we'll ever play. Just look back at the history of the North-eastern club, they were the recipients of the worlds first £1000 transfer fee for Alf Common, twice F.A. Cup winners in 1937 and 1973 and six time top flight winners albeit before the second world war.
However, they find themselves on an equal footing with Fleetwood, Southend and Shrewsbury Town this season and certainly haven't had things all their own way. They currently sit in third place with 46 points and two games in hand on Portsmouth and Luton Town above them. Recent form has seen them lose twice in their last five games with Portsmouth and Walsall beating them at home and away respectively.
Top Scorers
Josh Maja 12
Chris Maguire 6
Lynden Gooch 5
Assists
Lynden Gooch 8
Adam Matthews 5
Aiden McGeady 4
Clean Sheets
Six, three at home and three away.
Stats
Sunderland are the third best home team in League One with 25 points from a possible 33.
They've scored an average of 2.18 goals per game at the stadium of light but have conceded an average of 0.9.
The best period of the game for Sunderland going forward is the 15 minutes before half time with 8 goals scored. Defensively their best period has been the first fifteen minutes following half time with no goals conceded all season.
Referee - Scott Oldham from Lancashire. Games this season: 16. Yellow Cards: 16. Red cards: 0.
Assistant Referees: Stephen Wade and Geoffrey Liddle.
Fourth Official: Matthew Dicicco.
Squad News
Neither manager has any new injury worries.
Ahead of kick-off at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland AFC will be observing a period of silence before the game in memory of supporters, former players and club officials who have passed away.
Summary
Given our poor away form this season it's difficult to see a win for Town at the Stadium of Light. It sounds incredibly negative but a draw would be a good result for us or for that matter for any other team in this division. However, It's not impossible and there is no time like the present to change our fortunes.
COYB!!!